Because of habitat fragmentation and habitat loss, this species now only inhabits approximately 25% of its historic range, but it does very well at Cabrillo National Monument. It eats small invertebrates and is a common sight at the park. Look for a lizard with a bright orange throat and a long tail.

NPS Photo / Warren Tam

San Diego alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii):

This is a somewhat common and very large lizard with short limbs and a long tail. The alligator lizard can be mistaken for a snake at times because of its long tail and snake-like locomotion. This species will eat small invertebrates, small lizards and small mammals. It will sometimes feed on bird eggs and young birds.

NPS Photo

Southern California legless lizard (Anniella stebbinsi):

This is not a snake! It’s a legless lizard because it has eyelids and can drop its tail to help it escape a predator. This species spends a lot of its time underground, so it can be difficult to find. It feeds on insects in larvae form, beetles, termites, and spiders.